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The Caterpillar 3406B is one of CAT’s most proven and rebuildable diesel engines. Built for power and longevity, the 3406B is widely used in marine propulsion, power generators, oilfield equipment, and construction machinery. It remains a top choice for operators and fleet managers looking for reliable, mechanical diesel performance. At Diesel Pro Power, we supply a complete range of aftermarket Caterpillar 3406B parts, each designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications. All parts are backed by expert support and shipped globally within 24 hours. Complete kits for in-frame or out-of-frame rebuilds Includes pistons, rings, liners, wrist pins, rod/main bearings, and full gasket set Available in standard and oversize specifications Oil pressure, coolant temperature, tachometer, voltage, and boost gauges Marine-grade analog and digital styles Matched senders and wiring options available Cast iron housing and impeller Includes gasket and mounting hardware Raw water pumps for heat exchanger systems Bronze impellers and stainless shafts Fully assembled or available as rebuild kits Aftermarket head assemblies with valves, guides, springs, and seats Precision-machined surfaces for optimal sealing Ready to install with no core required Mechanical fuel pumps and priming assemblies Fuel shutoff solenoids, banjo fittings, and fuel lines Matched to original 3406B delivery specs Precision-calibrated unit injectors Includes seals, clamps, return lines, and O-rings Compatible with standard and marine-rated injection profiles Direct replacement turbos in standard or high-output configurations Includes gaskets, oil lines, studs, and flanges Built to handle high exhaust temps and boost pressures Charge air coolers for marine and industrial setups Improves air density and turbocharger efficiency Includes gasket kits and installation hardware Gear-driven oil pumps Oil coolers, filter bases, pans, and dipsticks Pressure regulators and spin-on conversion kits Remanufactured and balanced crankshafts Standard and undersize journals Includes thrust bearings, keys, and oil seals OEM-profile camshafts Includes followers, thrust plates, cam bushings, and gears Supports original timing and injector actuation Pistons with rings, wrist pins, and retainers Available for all 3406B bore and compression configurations Coated and uncoated pistons available Forged rods with bushings pre-installed Balanced to match factory crank and piston setup Sold individually or in matched sets Wet and dry exhaust manifolds Elbows, mufflers, flanges, and turbo outlet pipes Marine-grade gaskets and clamps included Full upper and lower gasket kits Head gasket, valve cover, exhaust/intake, oil pan, crankshaft seals High-temp materials and marine-safe options available Oil pressure switches, water temperature sensors, ignition switches Shutdown solenoids and marine-safe electrical components Designed for engine protection and alarm systems 12V and 24V starters for all mounting styles High-output alternators with internal or external regulation Includes solenoids, brackets, pulleys, and harnesses Primary and secondary fuel filters Fuel/water separators with spin-on elements Filter heads and mounting kits available Spin-on oil filters and conversion adapters Extended service life media for marine or genset use Compatible with CAT filter heads Flexible marine control cables for throttle and shift Stainless core, UV-protected outer jacket Available in custom lengths Heavy-duty marine cables for clutch or throttle actuation High-load rating with low-friction core Ideal for commercial marine use Push-pull cables for throttle, PTO, and governor setups Multiple connection styles and cable lengths High-temperature Caterpillar yellow paint Thread sealant, gasket adhesives, anti-seize Suitable for marine and industrial environments Twin Disc marine transmission parts Couplings, damper plates, and PTO adapters Built for CAT 3406B-to-transmission integration 40,000+ customers served worldwide All parts are aftermarket, engineered to OEM specs 24-hour global shipping Expert technical support and hassle-free ordering The Caterpillar 3406B is one of the most respected mechanical diesel engines in Caterpillar’s legacy of mid- to heavy-duty powerplants. Introduced in the early 1980s as an evolution of the original 3406, the “B” model featured major design upgrades that boosted its power potential, thermal efficiency, and service life—while maintaining a fully mechanical platform. What set the 3406B apart was its wet sleeve block design, improved fuel efficiency, and robust turbocharged configurations. The engine maintained Caterpillar’s signature mechanical direct injection system and eliminated the need for electronic controls, making it ideal for applications where simplicity, durability, and low maintenance are critical. The 3406B remains a favorite for both legacy equipment operators and aftermarket repowers in marine, industrial, and generator environments. Known for logging 20,000+ hours between major overhauls, this engine earned its reputation as a true workhorse of the diesel world. Specification Details Engine Configuration Inline 6-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel Displacement 14.6 Liters (893 cubic inches) Bore x Stroke 5.4 in x 6.5 in (137 mm x 165 mm) Compression Ratio 14.5:1 to 16:1 (varies by build and rating) Aspiration Turbocharged or Turbocharged & Aftercooled Horsepower Range 300–475 HP @ 1,800–2,100 RPM Torque Range 1,050–1,850 lb-ft @ 1,200–1,600 RPM Fuel System Mechanical Unit Injection (Scroll-Type) Cooling System Water-cooled Cylinder Liners Replaceable Wet Liners Emissions Compliance Pre-Tier / Not EPA regulated Dry Weight (approx.) ~2,800–3,000 lbs Wet sleeve block for easier overhauls and extended engine life Upgraded turbochargers and piston crown designs for improved combustion Stronger main bearings and connecting rods for sustained high-load use Scroll-type fuel system allowing precise mechanical fuel delivery Aftercooled configurations available for higher power ratings and thermal stability These enhancements positioned the 3406B as a long-life, rebuildable diesel platform in the pre-electronic control era. The Caterpillar 3406B was widely adopted across industries that demanded high horsepower output, mechanical dependability, and field-serviceable architecture. From marine propulsion to generator sets, the 3406B continues to serve as a staple engine in fleets around the globe. The 3406B became a top choice for commercial and offshore marine operators seeking reliable diesel propulsion in challenging conditions. Its torque-rich performance and mechanical durability were especially beneficial in vessels with frequent load cycling. Fishing trawlers and draggers (up to 65 ft) Push boats, pilot boats, and harbor tugs Charter boats and offshore service vessels Marine fire pumps, winches, and hydraulic systems Marine generator sets (150–300 kW) Operators in marine environments valued the 3406B for its ease of in-frame overhaul, lack of electronics, and ability to operate in saltwater, high-humidity, and off-grid conditions with limited diagnostics. The Caterpillar 3406B became a cornerstone engine for high-output industrial power systems, particularly in the oilfield, mining, and utility sectors. Frac pump drive systems Portable rock crushers and crushers with integrated hydraulic drives Trailer-mounted utility engines Diesel-powered air compressors Emergency flood pump systems Thanks to its robust bottom end and strong midrange torque, the 3406B was ideal for continuous duty or cyclic load environments. The wet sleeve design also made it easier and more cost-effective to overhaul in the field. As a generator engine, the 3406B offered dependable, mechanically governed power for both prime and emergency backup installations. Mining and construction camp generators Agricultural and processing facility standby systems Industrial power generation in developing regions Offshore platform auxiliary power systems Remote telecom or infrastructure power Common generator ratings ranged from 175 to 300 kW, with variants configured for 50 Hz or 60 Hz operation. The engine’s ability to maintain frequency under load made it reliable for sensitive electrical applications. The 3406B powered large-scale agricultural machines and support systems, particularly in grain, sugarcane, rice, and irrigation operations. High-horsepower diesel pump engines for irrigation Belt-driven grain elevators and rotary dryers Tractor and combine retrofits in South America and Australia Stationary feed mill and processing equipment Diesel-driven hydraulic units for multi-purpose farm rigs With no ECM and no emissions equipment, the 3406B was ideal for remote agricultural locations with variable fuel quality and low technical infrastructure. The 3406B remains one of the most popular repower engine choices worldwide. Its mechanical design, widespread parts support, and long service intervals make it highly attractive in regions without Tier 4 regulations. Replacing worn-out Detroits, older Cummins, or Deutz models Vessel retrofits requiring upgraded torque and fuel economy Generator conversions for mobile and export setups Custom-built trailers and mobile workshop power units Skid engines for mining, oilfield, and marine export Because the 3406B can be overhauled in-frame and does not rely on any computerized diagnostics, it is often chosen for long-term field reliability over high-tech alternatives. The Caterpillar 3406B engine is a landmark diesel platform that bridges the gap between raw mechanical performance and long-haul dependability. With horsepower ratings up to 475 HP, a wet sleeve rebuildable block, and 100% mechanical operation, the 3406B delivers what many modern engines no longer can: reliability without complexity. Even today, operators in marine, generator, and industrial sectors trust the 3406B to deliver fuel-efficient torque, rebuildable longevity, and rock-solid uptime—without electronic failure points or emissions components that complicate operations. If your mission depends on power that won’t quit, the Caterpillar 3406B stands the test of time. Marine CAT 3406 Component Maintenance Life Everything You Need to Know About the Caterpillar 3406 Marine Engine
Parts for Caterpillar 3406B
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Aftermarket Parts for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Engine Overhaul Kit for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Gauges for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Engine Water Pump for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Marine Water Pump for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Cylinder Head for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Fuel Components for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Injectors for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Turbo for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Intercooler / Aftercooler for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Oil System Components for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Crankshaft for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Camshaft for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Engine Piston Kit for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Connecting Rod for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Exhaust for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Gasket Kits for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Sensor & Switch for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Starter & Alternator for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Fuel Filter for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Oil Filter for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
33C Marine Cable (3/16") for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
43C Marine Cable (1/4") for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Industrial Cable for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Paint & Sealant for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Twin Disc for Caterpillar 3406B Engines
Why Choose Diesel Pro Power?
Engine Specifications & Applications of the Caterpillar 3406B Engine
Overview of the Caterpillar 3406B Engine
Caterpillar 3406B Engine Specifications
Key Design Improvements over the 3406 (Pre-B)
Applications of the Caterpillar 3406B Engine
1. Marine Propulsion & Auxiliary Systems
Marine Applications:
2. Industrial Equipment & Heavy-Duty Power Units
Common Industrial Uses:
3. Diesel Generator Sets (Prime & Standby)
Generator Applications:
4. Agricultural & Utility Systems
Agricultural Applications:
5. Global Repower Projects
Common Repower Uses:
Final Thoughts
Additional Resources
The Legacy of the Caterpillar Marine 3406 Engine: A Retrospective
